Over the 2nd-5th March weekend, Monash UAS made the drive out to Avalon Airport for the 2017 Avalon Airshow. The Avalon Airshow is hosted every two years and is an opportunity for aircraft enthusiasts from all over the world to come together to see and discuss aircraft and associated technologies. There were dazzling displays of flight formations and manoeuvres by the world’s top pilots. As well as the flight displays there are private jets, small aircraft, commercial aircraft and military aircraft on display on the ground. Inside the trade halls over 600 industries were represented to demonstrate their advances in technology and research. Prior to the public days, Avalon was open for industries and students to network and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The Monash UAS Display inside the Drone Showcase Tent

​This year marks the first time the team was able to open our own stall to showcase our 2016 competition aircraft for the industries and the public to see. We were situated inside the Drone Showcase among other companies and universities involved in the drone community. Our 2016 competition mainframe was on display as well as the 2014 model. The team answered hundreds of questions about the competition and what we do allowing us to inform the public about the construction of the aircraft and what it can do. Hobbyists were thoroughly interested in our control systems and the potential uses of our aircraft.

​Monash UAS made many contacts with industries, potential sponsors and interested individuals that we’ll be exploring in the next few weeks. Having such contacts will help us to improve our manufacturing, programming and piloting capabilities in the next year.